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World Cup: Roy Hodgson salutes England's performance in San Marino

Roy Hodgson was delighted with the professional performance put in by England as they swept aside San Marino 8-0.

Last Updated: 23/03/13 2:09pm

The Three Lions were expected to secure a big win in their latest 2014 World Cup qualifier against a European minnow renowned for their leaky defence, and they did not disappoint.

The goals were shared around the team, which bodes well heading forward, and Hodgson feels his players could not have done any more on an evening which had the potential to embarrass and frustrate.

He told Sky Sports: "It was very good. It was great to see some of the players that haven't had the chance to play in the team get a chance from the start tonight. I thought every single one of them lived up to my hopes and expectations.

"I thought a lot of the forward play was very good, but we aren't stupid and we realise it was San Marino, it wasn't Brazil we were playing tonight. But, on the other hand, I don't think you can do much more than pass the ball properly, show good movement, show good application and I think the players will be more than satisfied with the way they played the game and of course the extra goals were a bonus.

"I think the victory and the manner in which we played were the most important things."

England now travel to Montenegro for a crucial clash between the top two in Group H, with their midweek opponents having collected a narrow 1-0 victory over Moldova in their latest outing to remain at the summit.

Hodgson added: "Whatever the result there in Moldova, it would have been a big game on Tuesday. It's a big game for us. We see it as a big game because they are one of our serious rivals for the top spot and we must do our best to try and get a result there."

Faith

Hodgson also concedes that he has been offered a selection poser ahead of the Montenegro game.

He added: "Absolutely. I think it's important when you get the chance to play for England, whoever the opponent, that you play well and you show the manager's faith in you is justified.

"A young lad like Kyle Walker tonight, he must come off feeling pleased with himself but he did what he had to do and did what we expected him to."